Virginia SOL 6.PS.1.b
The Standard
Determine the data needed to answer a formulated question and collect the data (or acquire existing data) using various methods (e.g., observations, measurement, surveys, experiments).
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will apply the data cycle (formulate questions; collect or acquire data; organize and represent data; and analyze data and communicate results) with a focus on circle graphs.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify exactly what information is needed to answer a question. They choose a suitable collection method and record the data accurately in clear categories.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can name the variable, group, and categories needed for a question. They choose a suitable method, record responses consistently, and explain how the data will answer the question.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may collect interesting facts that do not answer the question. They may use leading survey questions, overlapping categories, or a sample that leaves out part of the group.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Ask four assigned classmates how they travel to school, tally one response per person, and name the data and collection method used.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups a bag of colored cubes, then have them plan and run an experiment to collect color-frequency data.
Ask students to write which method, survey, observation, measurement, or experiment, best answers three posted questions and explain each choice.
Play a card match game pairing research questions with data needed, collection methods, and recording sheets.
Survey classmates about preferred field day events, then discuss how the results could guide the event schedule.
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Printable 6.PS.1.b Worksheet

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 6.PS.1.b, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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- 5.PS.1.b
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